Let’s Giddy Up And Get A “Bit” Of Horse Sense On Area Businesses & Organizations
There’s a special kind of magic in the bond between kids and horses — a blend of excitement, learning and pure joy!
Windsor and Essex County is full of fun, educational and challenging equestrian activities for you and your children to enjoy this summer (and fall as well).
Whether you are interested in horse shows and entertainment, riding lessons, camps, horse therapy, a family ranch experience, barn life, pony rentals for events or even horse breeding, we have lots of information on the best local businesses and organizations offering these services.
So, saddle up and get the details now, straight from the horse’s mouth . . .
Horseback Riding Lessons & Camps
Located just minutes away from Manning Road and County Road 42, Dronfield Equestrian offers weekly horseback riding lessons, summer camps, introductory and assessment lessons, half day group programs, horse part boarding and leasing, Equestrian Canada rider level preparation, freelance coaching and training, and horse show judging.
“Dronfield Equestrian has been offering mainly freelance services since 2019, with our in-house horseback riding school and riding program opened in February 2024,” explains Madison Dronfield, Head Coach and Owner of Dronfield Equestrian. “I run all operations of horse care, coaching, training and business administration by myself — with the help of my partner, Tyler Gervais-Rolfe and father, Steve Dronfield. We have many volunteer students, as well, that are a wonderful help to the program.”
Dronfield Equestrian specializes in creating correct, confident, and competent horseback riders and horse people. Her program focuses on safety, and teaching correct foundations in both riding and horsemanship, in a positive learning environment, with a focus on hunter, jumper, equitation, and dressage.
“We also specialize in creating pathways for youth through our program,” she states. “Riders in our lesson program have opportunities to volunteer and practice skills such as teamwork and leadership, as well as learn more about horse care. They can also volunteer as camp counsellors, and as they get older and gain experience, I’m looking forward to mentoring some students to become instructors themselves.”
Horseback riding lessons are offered at Dronfield Equestrian year-round, and remaining summer camps run July 22 to July 26, August 12 to August 16, and August 19 to August 23.
“Our horseback riding summer camp is highly educational, hands-on, and fun,” Dronfield says. “We prioritize safety and learning at the farm.”
She goes on to explain that campers receive a daily horseback riding lesson, practical lessons (where they learn how to groom, tack up, and more), and they also learn about stable management (how to care for horses and the place they live in).
“Camp is a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn a lot about horses and basic riding skills,” Dronfield adds. “They find out if they are truly interested in the sport or if they just like to have fun and be outside!”
Camp programs are offered for children seven to 13 years of age and riding lessons are for all ages six and up.
Dronfield is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Coach through Equestrian Canada, having completed multiple Equestrian Canada Rider Level exams, plus extensive coaching evaluations.
“This year marks my 10th year of being certified,” she mentions. “I am fortunate to have worked with quality, highly accredited coaches and mentors to teach me the skill I have today. For years, I worked for and developed my coaching and riding skills under Angela VandenHurk of Kuruka Equestrian in Barrie, and most recently worked with Susan Fripp of the Caledon Equestrian School in Caledon; both programs are very successful, turning out very nice riders.”
Dronfield works hard to emulate these programs by offering their high-quality coaching and standards at Dronfield Equestrian.
She also holds an active First Aid Certificate, and has completed training such as SafeSport, Making Ethical Decisions, Concussion Awareness Training, and Athlete Long Term Development.
“I am very fortunate to have the horses I do — they are wonderful teachers,” Dronfield states. “I am also fortunate for the students we have — they are creating the barn community I have always dreamed of while displaying true teamwork, sportsmanship, horsemanship, and taking all the steps to respect the barn such as caring for the horse they rode, sweeping up after themselves and taking good care of the equipment.”
At the time of writing, there were a few summer camp spots left and there is also a 16 week fall lesson program (September to December). If you are interested you can register your child online.
Entertaining Horse Shows
Located at 9039 Baseline Road in Windsor, Lazee G Ranch is a full-time riding lesson (Western and English) barn, offering camps, all kinds of parties, family hayrides, farm tours, and educational programs for school-age children, as well as many summer and holiday events.
“We have a few opportunities for families of all ages to visit in the next few months,” notes Brenda Gagnon, Owner/Operator of Lazee G Ranch. “This includes Shodeo, a two-hour live performance with pony rides, a dog show, gymnastics on horseback, skits, and all types of music and costumes.”
The two shows run July 20 at 6 p.m. and July 21 at 4 p.m.; tickets can be purchased at the door.
Other upcoming events for 2024 include: Family hayrides and tours, Halloween events, a holiday lantern walk, and Christmas on the ranch!
“Both myself and my husband Farmer Joe or Sheriff Joe (as some know him) are so passionate about our ranch because we built it from nothing 30 years ago,” Gagnon tells Biz X. “With our six children by our side and now 12 grandchildren, we have built a beautiful place where people can come and see all our hard work, visit with the farm animals and horses, and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness this ranch brings to so many.”
Gagnon goes on to explain that when putting in 14-hour days, or more, she enjoys the life she has chosen.
“Farming comes with a lot of stress, from the price of keeping and housing animals, feed, shelter, working in all types of weather, frozen water pails, cold, extreme heat, and 24-hour care,” she comments. “But we do it because we love it, and we take pride in knowing that we built something from nothing. We have met so many wonderful people over the years and we hope that we can continue to share our dream with many more!”
To keep up with the latest news on this business see their social media page.
